Patagonia 2024/2025: Journey to the End of the World (Chile, Argentina)

Flight to Santiago de Chile

Today, our group gathers at Chicago’s airport, where we efficiently handle passport and baggage check-in procedures. Our journey takes flight as we head to Santiago de Chile, a dynamic city ripe for exploration.

With anticipation in the air, we’re poised to embark on our Patagonian adventure.

Santiago de Chile

After arriving in Santiago de Chile, we’ll swiftly transfer to our hotel to drop off luggage. Our exploration of this cosmopolitan capital begins with a city tour.

We’ll visit the iconic Plaza de Armas, home to the Cathedral and Main Post Office, and explore the historic San Francisco Church in the Paris-Londres district.

A highlight awaits at San Cristobal Hill, where a cable car ride takes us to a panoramic viewpoint to admire the city and the surrounding Andes mountain ranges.

The day concludes as we return to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, enriched by our Santiago de Chile experiences.

Santiago de Chile, Punta Arenas

Today, we’ll board a flight to Punta Arenas, the capital of Chilean Patagonia. Upon arrival, we’ll dive into the city’s history by exploring its charming historical center. Highlights include the iconic Plaza de Armas with the Fernando Magellan monument and a scenic visit to the Costanera, providing breathtaking views of the Magellan Strait.

We’ll conclude the day with a return to our hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, cherishing the memories of Punta Arenas.

Francisco Coloane Park and Whale Watching, Puerto Natales

Today, we embark on an early morning journey to Francisco Coloane Park and Cape Froward, the southernmost point of the continental world. This pristine region boasts glaciers, humpback whales, sei whales, southern dolphins, Toninas Overas, and Magellanic penguins, making it one of the planet’s most remote and unspoiled areas.

Our full-day excursion includes a 10-hour cruise from a port located 50 kilometers south of Punta Arenas. The cruise offers breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and lush lenga and coihue forests. We’ll be treated to close encounters with marine life, including sea lions, petrels, cormorants, and southern dolphins, providing an immersive experience of nature’s vitality.

After the cruise, we’ll continue our journey to Puerto Natales, a city nestled along the renowned Last Hope Sound, for an overnight stay in comfortable accommodations. This day promises a deep immersion into the untouched wonders of Patagonia’s southernmost reaches.

Torres del Paine National Park

After breakfast, we embark on a full-day excursion to Torres del Paine, South America’s most magnificent mountain national park. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ranked the fifth most beautiful place in the world by National Geographic, this destination is a true marvel.

During our trip, we’ll visit key sites, including a viewpoint overlooking the stunning Lake Nordenskjold and the mesmerizing Lago Grey, known for its drifting icebergs. A short hike will take us to a viewpoint offering a breathtaking perspective of the Grey Glacier.

We’ll also pause at the Lago Pehoe viewpoint, where we can admire the majestic Cuernos del Paine and Paine Grande Mountain. Our night will be spent in the park at a Lodge, offering a remarkable backdrop of the towering mountains, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience.

Torres del Paine National Park, Puerto Natales

Today, we continue our exploration of Torres del Paine National Park, indulging in the breathtaking views of emerald lakes, towering mountains, and the park’s diverse wildlife. With a touch of luck, we may even catch a glimpse of the park’s majestic ruler, the Puma.

Our journey culminates with a visit to the impressive Cacada Paine waterfall before we head towards Puerto Natales. Along the way, we’ll stop at the renowned Cueva del Milodon, famous for the discovery of remains belonging to the extinct giant ground sloth, Mylodon Darwini.

The day ends with a restful overnight stay at the hotel, allowing us to cherish the exceptional experiences of Torres del Paine.

Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers

In the morning, we set off on a boat trip to the Ultima Esperanza fjords, nestled at the foot of the Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers within Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Our journey includes a visit to Monte Balmaceda and its glacier, followed by a continuation to Puerto Toro.

Upon disembarking, a brief forest trek leads us to the towering Serrano Glacier. Back on the boat, we’ll savor a unique aperitif crafted from glacier ice. Our day ends as we return to Puerto Natales for a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel, where we can reflect on the day’s extraordinary experiences.

Puerto Natales, El Calafate

We say farewell to Chilean Patagonia and venture into Argentina, where we arrive in El Calafate. Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Lago Argentino, El Calafate is known for its sheep farming and serves as a bustling tourist hub.

Here, visitors are drawn to the renowned Los Glaciares National Park, home to three impressive glaciers and the iconic giant, Perito Moreno.

Our anticipation grows as we look forward to the incredible experiences awaiting us in this natural wonderland.

Perito Moreno

In the morning, we journey to Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier. This colossal glacier stands with walls soaring 60-70 meters high, stretching over 4 kilometers. Here, we’ll witness a remarkable natural spectacle – the constant movement and calving of ice chunks.

Afternoon brings us back to El Calafate for a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel. For those interested, there’s an optional boat trip available at approximately $30 per person, providing a closer view of the glacier’s front. Additionally, adventurous souls can opt for Mini Trekking or Big Ice Trekking on the glacier, guided by qualified experts. Please express your interest in advance, and the cost will be confirmed accordingly.

This day promises an unforgettable encounter with the Perito Moreno Glacier and the captivating landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park.

El Calafate, Ushuaia

In the morning, our journey continues as we transfer to the airport for a flight to Ushuaia, often referred to as the “City at the End of the World.” Upon our arrival, we’ll promptly transfer to our hotel, where we’ll settle in for an overnight stay.

Tierra del Fuego National Park

Today, we embark on a journey to Tierra del Fuego National Park, a natural gem home to snow-capped peaks, vibrant valleys, and pristine lakes. Established in 1960, this 69,000-hectare park aims to preserve the unique southern forests along the Beagle Channel.

Our exploration within the park includes a visit to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Beagle Channel, short walks amidst the captivating landscape, and opportunities to admire Lapataia Bay, Ensenada Bay, and Acigami Lake.

In the afternoon, we return to Ushuaia and set out on a boat trip along the Beagle Channel. During this scenic excursion, we pass the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and observe local birdlife, including cormorants, as well as resting sea lions. After about 3 hours, we return to Ushuaia for a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel, cherishing the day’s natural wonders.

Ushuaia, Buenos Aires

We bid farewell to the “End of the World” and head to the airport for a flight to the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, once known as the “Paris of the South.”

Upon arrival, we will commence our sightseeing tour, exploring colorful neighborhoods such as La Boca and the charming streets of San Telmo. We will visit the Cathedral and Plaza de Mayo, the main square of the city, witness to many historical events, including the May Revolution, as well as demonstrations and protests.

Next, we’ll explore the elegant and aristocratic Recoleta district, including the famous cemetery considered a work of art and the final resting place of many famous personalities, such as Evita Peron. After the tour, we’ll head to the hotel for a short break, as the evening holds a special Tango show combined with dinner. We’ll return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Departure from Buenos Aires

Transfer to the airport and return to Chicago. We invite you to join us on future adventures with Rek Travel Adventure. Perhaps this time to Peru?

Patagonia 2024: Journey to the End of the World (Chile, Argentina)